MINUTES 


OF    THE 


G> 


m$ 


ti&* 


HELD   IN   TnE 


CITY    OF   RALEIGH, 


ON    THE 


2nd,  3rd,  4th  and  5th  of  October,  18G6. 


RALEIGH: 

PEIXTED  AT   THE   STANDARD   BOOK   AND  JOB   OFFICE. 

1866. 


a? 


:'g''>-<:':>;^9^e^^i^^o^v8^f°f^'>c.j^ri^,-,j»--/&.u9i:,j^>i»1  4 


^3 


MINUTES 


OF   THE 


Jfreefomm's  (fetotifltt, 


HELD  m  THE 


ON  THE 


2nd,  3rd,  4th  and  5th  of  October,  1866. 


RALEIGH: 

PRINTED   AT  THE   STANDARD   BOOK   AND  JOB  OFFICE. 

1866. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2013 


http://archive.org/details/minutesoffreedmeOOfree 


MINUET  ESS 

OF  THE 

FREEDMEFS    CONVENTION, 

HELD  IN  THE  CITY  OF  RALEIGH, 
On  the  2nd,  3rd,  4th  and  5th  of  October,  1866. 


RALEIGH,  K  C.,  OCT.  2nd,  1866. 
African  M.  E.  Church,  10  O'clock,  A.  M. 

Convention  met  pursuant  to  the  call  made  by  the  officers 
of  the  State  Equal  Rights  League. 

J.  H.  Harris,  of  Wake,  President  of  the  State  Equal  Rights 
League,  called  the  house  to  order. 

John  R.  Good,  of  Craven,  Yice  President. 

Wm.  Cawthorn,  of  Warren,  was  called  upon  to  act  as 
Secretary,  pro.  tern. 

Rev.  G.  A.  Rue  was  appointed  to  conduct  the  religious 
exercises.  He  opened  the  Convention  by  singing  the  hymn 
"  Peace,  troubled  soul." 

J.  R.  Page,  of  Edenton,  asked  whether  this  was  a  State 
League  or  a  State  Convention  ?  Which  question  the  Chair- 
man answered  after  the  Convention  had  been  thoroughly 
opened,  refering  the  gentleman  to  articles  3rd  and  7th  of  the 
Constitution  of  the  State  Equal  Rights  League. 

On  motion  Marcillus  Orford,  of  Wake,  and  Samuel  Wilson, 
•  of  New  Hanover,  were  appointed  as  Sargeants  at  Arms. 

A  motion  to  receive  the  Rev.  Jos.  W.  Wood,  of  Craven,  as 
an  honorary  member  of  the  Convention  created  a  lively  dis- 
cussion.   Motion  lost. 

On  motion  a  committee  of  five  was  appointed  on  Credentials, 
consisting  of  Messrs.  J.  T.  Schenck  of  Charlotte,  Jas.  Bowman 


■30 


of  Fayetteville,  J.  E.  Caswell  of  Raleigh,  J.  D.  Ballad  of 
Rowan,  C.  D.  Pierson  of  Newbern. 

After  appointment  tlie  Committee  retired. 

On  motion  Jos.  R.  Tucker,  of  Craven,  was  elected  Yice 
President. 

On  motion  Jas.  E.  O'Hara  was  appointed  Secretary. 

On  motion  the  Chairman  was  empowered  to  appoint  a 
Committee  on  Rules. 

The  following  gentlemen  were,  therefore,  appointed  to  draw 
up  rules  for  the  government  of  the  Convention :  Rev.  G.  A. 
Rue  of  Craven,  H.  Locket  of  Wake,  and  J.  R.  Page  of 
Chowan. 

On  motion  a  special  Committee  of  three,  consisting  of  Rev. 
A.  Bass  of  Orange,  John  llyman  of  Warren,  and  S.  High- 
smith  of  Duplin. 

On  motion  Dr.  Brown,  of  Hertford,  was  invited  to  address 
the  audience,  which  he  did  in  an  eloquent  manner,  confining 
himself  to  the  subject  of  Education  and  Equality  before  the 
law. 

On  motion  Mr.  "Williamson  of  Franklin,  Mr.  Tucker  of 
Craven,  and  Mr.  Sykes  of  Pasquotank,  were  invited  to 
.  address  the  Convention,  which  they  did,  each  in  his  turn, 
making  good  and  earnest  appeals  to  the  people  to  consider  the 
object  for  which  they  were  assembled,  and  further  urging  the 
members  of  the  Convention  faithfully  to  discharge  their  duty 
towards  God,  towards  their  fellow-man,  and  towards  them- 
selves. 

On  motion  Mr.  Leary  was  appointed  as  Secretary,  but  he 
declined  on  the  ground  of  inexperience.  The  Convention  not 
taking  his  excuse,  Mr.  Leary  was  oblige  to  serve  in  the  capacity 
of  Secretary. 

On  motion  Jas.  E.  O'Hara,  of  Wayne,  was  appointed  to 
act  as  reporter  of  the  Convention  for  the  press. 

The  Committre  on  Rules  then  made  their  report  through 
their  Chairman,  Rev.  G.  A.  Rue  : 

We,  your  Committee  on  Rules,  beg  leave  to  offer  to  this  honorable 
body  the  following  rules  for  the  government  of  this  Convention  daring 
its  hours  of  sitting : 


1.  There  shall  he  two  regular  daily  sessions  of  the  Convention.  The  morning 
eesSion  shall  commence  at  9.30  o'clock,  a.  m.,  and  adjourn  at  12  o'clock,  m. 
The  afternoon  session  shall  convene  at  2  o'clock,  p.  m.,  and  adjourn  at  5  o'clock, 
p.  m. 

2.  One-third  of  the  members  of  the  Convention  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for 
the  transaction  of  business. 

3.  No  member  shall  leave  the  Convention  without  permission  from  the  Chair- 
man, and  no  member  shnll  be  recognized  or  his  motion  received  as  before  the 
Convention  unless  the  Speaker  is  within  the  bar  of  the  Convention. 

4  No  membei  shall  be  allowed  to  speak  more  than  twice  upon  the  same  ques- 
tion, unless  by  special  consent  of  the  Convention,  and  notlongerthan  ten  minutes 
the  first  time  and  five  minutes  the  second  time. 

5.  Belying  on  God  for  the  rectitude  of  our  intentions,  to  secure  equal  rights, 
therefore,  each  session  shall  be  opened  with  religious  devotions  by  the  Chaplain. 

6.  Should  any  member  or  members  of  the  Convention  be  found  intoxicated 
during  the  sitting  of  the  Convention,  he  or  they  shall  be  excluded  ffom  its 
sessions. 

7.  We  recommend  that  there  be  a  session  each  night  during  the  Convention 
and  addresses  be  made  by  such  gentlemen  as  the  Chairman  may  appoint. 

Mr.  Ellison,  -of  Wake,  enquired  if  the  rule  concerning  in- 
toxicated members  meant  that  they  should  be  entirely  excluded 
from  the  Convention. 

3as.  E.  O'Hara,  of  "Wayne,  arose  and  defended  the  rule, 
stating  that  there  was  but  one  fault  which  he  saw,  and  that 
was  the  rule  was  not  stringent  enough. 

On  motion  Messrs.  J.  R.  Good  of  Craven,  Green  of  Gates, 
and  Carson  Johnson  of  Warren,  were  appointed  to  address 
the  Convention,  which  they  did  in  a  noble  and  patriotic 
manner. 

On  motion  Rev.  G.  A.  Rue  was  appointed  Chaplain  of  the 
Convention. 

On  motion  the  Convention  adjourned,  according  to  rule, 


AFTERNOON  SESSION— 2  O'Clock,  P.  M. 

Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Jas.  H.  Harris  in  the  Chair. 

The  minutes  of  the  previous  meeting  was  read  and  approved, 
with  slight  corrections.  I 

The  Committee  on  Credentials  then  reported  through  their 
Chairman,  Mr.  J.  T.  Schenck : 


We,  your  Committee  on  Credentials,  having  carefully  examined  the 
credentials  of  the  delegates  from  the  various  counties,  recommend  that 
the  persons  representing  the  following  counties  be  admitted  as  delegates' 
duly  elected  and  sent  by  their  constituents  : 

RALEIGH,  N.  C,  October,  1866; 
State  Equal  Rights  League  Convention  of  Freedmen: 

Warren — William  Cawthorn,  John  Hyman,  Caesar  Johrson. 

Wake — J.  H.  Harris,  Charles  Ray,  Wm.  Laws,  S.  EllersDn,  H.  Locket,  J.  R-. 
Caswell.    Moses  Patterson  and  Wm.  High,  honorary  hiemberB. 

Mecklenburg — J.  T.  Schenck. 

Franklin— Harry  Webb,  Henderson  Fuller,  John  Williams.  Rev.  D.  T.  Perry 
honorary  member. 

Granville — J.  Hogwood,  Cuffey  Mayo,  Wm.  Reavis,  Aaron  Pratchefr 

Gaston— Jas.  Ryan. 

Halifax--N.  B.  Martin,  Henry  Epps,  Noah  Hill,  Charles  Smith* 

Lenoir— E.  M.  Bell. 

Perquimans — Newman  JohnsOn. 

Camden — Henry  Pool. 

Richmond— Calvin  McCray. 

Alamance — Edmond  Bird,  Wyatt  Outlaw. 

Anson — Henry  Powell,  Win.  Leak. 

Gates — J.  A.  Green. 

Montgomery — Hubbard  Little-. 

Burke — Thos.  Hawkins. 

Wilson — Emsley  Hinant,  Thus.  Farmer. 

Forstthe — Lewis  Heagle. 

Northampton — J.  H.  Langford,  B.  H.  Jones,  Robert  Doles. 

Bertie — Charles  Harrel. 

Craven — Richard  Tucker,  C.  D.  Pierson,  G.  A.  Rue,  J.  R.  Good. 

Hertford — W.  D.  Newsum,  H.  J.  Brown. 

Orange — A.  Bass,  Fred.  Lane,  Jordan  Weaver,.  Henry  Jones,  Samuel  Hopkins. 

Guilford — H.  Unthanks,  Jacob  Corsie. 

Cumberland — J.  S.  Leary,  Lewis  Harvie,  Jas.  Bowman. 

Bladen — John  Crosslin. 

Sampson — Charles  Carter. 
■   Pasquotank — T.  A.  Sykes. 

Duplin — Samuel  High  Smith. 

Hyde — Elisha  Mackleveign. 

Wayne — J.  E.  O'Harra,  John  Thompson. 

Randolph — Jesse  Skeen,  Willis  Dorsette,  Harry  Pope. 

Caswell — Marriee  Mayson,  Turner  Pertilla. 

Edgecomb— Frank  Heart,  Rev.  W.  H.  Pitts. 

Caldwell — Joseph  Howard. 

Chowan — J.  R.  Page. 

Rowan — J.  B.  Ballad. 

Davidson— Jas.  Hargrave,  C.  G.  Holmes,  J.  C.  Taylor,  J.  S.  Porter. 

Pitt— W.  H.  Pitts. 

Davie — E.  Oakes. 

Cabarrus— Adam  Means,  Allen  Turner. 

Martin— Rev.  W.  H.  Pitts. 

Wilkes — Rev.  A.  Stokes. 


■Chatham— John  Smith,  Jno.  Evans,  Nathan  Coe,  Daniel  Blacken,  Mr.  Perry. 

Buncombe — Felix  Grimes. 

Haywood— Alfred  Live. 

Rockingham—  Juha  Dilworth,  Sam'l  Johnson. 

Stanlt — C.  A.  Coble. 

Ruthebeobd — Rev.  V.  Mikeral. 

Polk— G.  W.  Paine. 

Union— Daniel  Cnlherson. 

Habnett — Menry  Williams. 

Moobe— Niel  Thos.  Cain  Williams. 

Cleaveland — John  Wellman. 

Lincoln— Edward  Cobb. 

Hendebson — T.  Green. 

Johnston— Rufus  Beckwith,  J.  B.  Allen. 

Catawba — Augustus  Roseman. 

Gbeene — Dennis  Best. 

CuBBiTCCK — A.  M.  Ferebee. 

Holly  Spbings  League — Isaac  Norris,  Ned  Valentine,  James  Howell. 

115  Delegates — 60  Counties  represented. 

On  motion  the  law  of  the  Convention  was  decided  on  by 
the  Chairman,  instructing  the  Sergeant  at  arms  to  allow  no 
person  excepting  delegates  to  sit  within  the  bar. 

Mr.  Bowman,  of  Fayetteville,  suggested  to  the  house  the 
importance  of  inviting  various  distinguished  citizens  of  North- 
Carolina,  and  the  heads  of  the  Military  department. 

Some  objections  being  made,  Mr.  Cawthorn,  of  Warren, 
endeavored  to  show  to  the  members  of  the  Convention  the 
necessity  of  endeavoring  to  form  a  test  of  sincere  friendship 
between  the  two  races. 

Mr.  Cawthorn  was  ably  sustained  by  Messrs.  J.  R.  Good, 
J.  T.  Leary  and  EL  Morrison. 

The  Committee  on  verbal  Credentials  then  made  their 
report,  through  their  Chairman,  Rev.  A.  Bass  : 

We,  yonr  Committee  on  verbal  Credentials,  after  examining  persons  having  no 
written  credentials,  has  fonnd  that  the  omission  of  said  credentials  were  an  over- 
sight, and  in  few  cases  caused  by  ignorance ;  nevertheless,  we  firmly  believe  that 
these  persons  here  present  are  the  persons  chosen  by  the  colored  people  in  various 
parts  of  the  State.  We,  therefore,  recommend  these  persons  to  your  considera- 
tion, and  would,  also,  suggest  that  they  be  admitted  as  full  members  of  the 
Convention,  with  all  rights  and  privileges  accorded  to  them. 

On  motion  the  President  were  authorized  to  appoint  a 
business  Committee  of  five. 

Dr.  Brown  offered  an  amendment  that  the  number  should 


8 

be  seven  instead  of  five.  Amendment  received  and  motion 
carried. 

The  following  gentlemen  were,  therefore,  appointed  on  a 
business  Committee :  Dr.  H.  J.  Brown,  H.  Locket,  J.  T. 
Schenck,  John  Smith,  Jno.  Sykes,  Yinson  Mickeral  and  Geo. 
A.  Kue. 

On  motion  a  Committee  on  invitation  were  appointed, 
consisting  of  J.  R.  Caswell,  J.  E.  O'Hara,  Harry  Pope,  John 
Hyman  and  John  Porter,  with  the  instruction  that  they  in- 
vite Gov.  Worth  and  other  distinguished  citizens  of  North- 
Carolina,  and  the  heads  of  the  Military  department. 

On  motion  a  financial  Committee  was  appointed,  consisting 
of  H.  Unthank,  J.  B.  Ballard,  S.  Ellison,  and  Jas.  Bowman. 

On  motion  Mr.  Newsom,  of  Hertford,  was  appointed  to 
take  the  names  and  post-office  addresses  of  the  delegates. 

On  motion  ¥m.  Cawthorn  was  confirmed  as  Secretary  of 
the  Convention. 

The  business  Committee  then  reported  through  their  Chair- 
man, Dr.  H.  J.  Brown. 

The  resolutions  were  received  but  not  adopted,  and  laid 
over  to  the  next  session. 

On  motion  Jas.  H.  Harris  was  solicited  to  address  the 
Convention. 

On  motion  a  collection  was  taken  up  to  defray  the  expense 
of  the  Convention,  amounting  to  $4.50. 


Convention  assembled  at  7f  o'clock,  when  the  meeting  was 
opened  with  religious  exercises  by  Rev.  George  A.  Rue, 
Chaplain  of  the  Convention. 

The  President,  Jas.  H.  Harris,  was  then  introduced  by  J. 
R.  Good,  Yice  President. 

Mr.  Harris'  discourse  was  lengthy  and  instructive,  and 
founded  principally  on  the  objects  of  the  Leauge.  He  was 
often  applauded. 

Mr.  Leary,  of  Fayetteville,  was  next  introduced,  but  de- 
clined on  the  grounds  of  incapability. 


Dr.  H.  J.  Brown  was  next  introduced,  but  he  declined,  as 
he  intends  to  give  a  lecture  on  Phrenology  and  Physiology  on 
Wednesday  evening. 

Rev.  G.  A.  Rue  was  then  called  upon,  who  made  a  few 
pointed  and  humorous  remarks.  Alter  which  a  collection 
was  taken  up  to  the  amount  of  $3.18. 

After  singing  "  Sound  the  loud  Timbrel,"  the  Convention 
adjourned. 


SECOND  DAY'S  SESSION. 

"Wednesday,  Oct.  3,  1866—9.30  O'clock. 

Convention  assembled  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

J.  H.  Harris  in  the  Chair.     House  called  to  order. 

Rev.  George  A.  Rue,  Chaplain  of  the  Convention,  opened 
by  reading  the  137th  Psalm,  and  singing  the  hymn  "  God  the 
spring  of  all  my  joys  ;"  he  next  offered  a  prayer. 

The  minutes  of  the  previous  meeting  were  then  called  for, 
read  and  approved. 

After  calling  the  roll  of  delegates,  the  rules  governing  the 
Convention  were  then  read. 

The  greater  part  of  the  morning  was  spent  in  receiving  the 
assessment  made  on  each  delegate  of  $1.50  to  defray  the  ex- 
penses of  the  Convention. 

The  Committee  on  invitation  then  reported  that  they  had 
received  answers  from  Gov.  Worth  and  other  gentlemen,  to 
whom  invitations  had  been  extended. 

On  motion  the  letters  were  then  read  to  the  Convention 
with  great  applause : 

STATE  OF   NORTH  CAROLINA, 

Executive  Department. 
Rajleigh,  N.  C.  Oct.  3d,  1866. 
To  the  President  and  members  of  the  colored  Convention,  now  sitting  in  Baleigh. 

I  have  received,  through  your  Secretary,  James  E.  O'Hara,  an  invitation  to  at- 
tend your  sittings.  Having  learned,  on  all  hands,  that  your  actions  are  patriotic, 
and,  in  every  way,  praiseworthy,  I  thank  you  for  your  invitation  and  will  gladly 
attend. 


10 

You  shall  always  find  me  ready,  personally  or  officially,  to  do  anything  in  my 
power  to  aid  your  people  in  their  efforts  to  elevate  and  improve  their  condition. 
Very  Respectfully, 

JONATHAN  WORTH. 


Raleigh,  Oct.  4th,  1866. 
To  the  Committee  of  Invitation  of  the  Colored  People's  Convention,  Baleigh: — 

In  reply  to  your  invitation  of  yesterday,  I  beg  leave  to  say,  that  my  engage- 
ments will  not  permit  me  to  visit  yonr  Convention ;  but  I  have  been  pleased  to 
be  informed  of  your  efforts  to  educate  your  people  in  the  State  of  North-Carolina, 
and  hope  they  may  be  attended  with  snccess.  Of  course  you  do  not  expect,  at 
once,  to  establish  seminaries  for  the  higher  branches  of  learning,  but  will  direct 
yonr  attention  to  primary  schools,  in  which  are  targht  those  rudiments  of  knowl- 
edge which  are  most  useful  and  necessary  in  carrying  on  the  ordinary  business 
of  life.  With  the  difficulties  now  existing  of  a  short  crop  in  the  greater  portion 
of  the  State,  the  unsettled  condition  of  affairs  arising  out  of  the  late  war,  and  the 
Budden  emancipation  of  the  colored  race,  with  but  little  property  except  that 
which  shall  be  acquired  by  daily  labor,  it  will  not  be  an  easy  matter  to  maintain 
schools  even  of  this  description ;  but  whenever  it  is  practicable,  I  hope  to  see 
them  established. 

But  there  is  much  of  education,  and  of  the  most  necessary  part  of  it,  that  is 
not  obtained  in  schools.  How  to  do  work  well,  and  with  the  greatest  advantage, 
either  in  a  mechanical  trade,  or  on  a  farm,  or  in  any  other  business,  i6  the  most 
useful  kind  of  knowledge  to  people  who  must  live  by  labor.  To  have  habits  of 
industry  in  applying  one's  self  to  his  work,  to  be  faithful  to  contracts  and  promi- 
ses— to  be  sober,  honest  aud  truthful,  are  lessons  which  every  parent  can  teach 
to  his  children  at  home,  and  which  will  cost  nothing  except  the  care  and  attention 
that  every  one  will  readily  bestow.  In  the  present  situation  of  the  colored  peo- 
ple, the  first  object  of  every  one  should  be  to  obtain  an  honest  livelihood  for 
himself  and  his  Jamily,  by  labor.  The  idle  will  be  sure  to  become  vicious,  lose 
the  confidence  and  respect  of  the  community — probably  fall  into  crime,  and  sub- 
ject themselves  to  the  punishment  of  the  law.  Next  to  being  industrious,  they 
should  be  frugal — save  and  lay  up  what  they  earn,  and  when  they  become  able, 
buy  land  or  other  property,  and  thus  advance  in  the  scale  of  life.  Both  parents 
and  children  who  are  able  to  do  useful  work,  should  apply  themselves  to  it,  un- 
til something  shall  in  this  way  be  accumulated.  Then  tl  ey  will  have  the  means 
and  time  to  attend  the  schools  and  improve  their  time.  If  both  objects  can  be 
effected  at  the  6ame  time,  it  will  be  so  much  the  better.  You  will  perceive  that, 
in  my  opinion,  instruction  in  morals  and  virtue,  and  the  religious  training  deri- 
ved from  hearing  the  Gospel  preached,  and  in  Sunday  sehools,  are  more  neces- 
snry  to  your  people,  at  present,  than  the  knowledge  of  letters  and  books,  and  it 
can  be  more  easily  and  cheaply  obtained.  While,  therefore,  disposed  to  encourage 
every  well-meant  effort  to  give  them  schools,  I  would  keep  constantly  present 
to  their  minds,  that  to  elevate  their  condition  nothing  is  so  necessary  as  to  be- 
come independent  in  their  circumsances,  and  that  this  can  only  be  effected  by 
persevering  and  honest  labor.  Very  Respectfully, 

W.  A.  GRAHAM. 


11 

Raleigh,  Oct.  4th,  1866. 
Mr.  James  E.  CEara: 

Sir  :  I  have  received  yours  of  this  date  inviting  me  to  address  the  Convention 
of  colored  persons  of  which  you  are  Secretary,  now  assembled  at  the  African 
Church  in  this  City  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  the  cause  of  education  amongst 
their  race.     You  assume  very  truly,  that  I  am  a  friend  to  your  race. 

I  could  not  be  otherwise  so  long  as  I  may  be  regarded  as  a  fellow  creature  of 
the  race  of  man ;  and  I  am  a  warm  friend  to  education  everywhere. 

Owing  to  my  pressing  engagements  in  highly  important  cases  on  trial  or  about 
to  be  tried  in  the  Superior  Court  of  Wake  County,  now  in  session,  it  will  be  not 
only  inconvenient,  but  really  impossible  forme  to  be  present  at  j'our  Convention. 

Allow  me,  however,  to  express  my 'pleasure,  that  your  race  are  striving  by 
peaceful  means  to  elevate  themselves  in  the  grade  of  humanity. 

The  best  means  of  doing  this  you  can  as  readily  appreciate  as  any  one.  They 
are  universally  acknowledged  to  be,  industry,  and  education  both  moral  and  reli- 
gious. That  idleness  is  the  parent  of  all  vice  is  an  adge  as  old  as  time ;  and  it 
requires  but  the  observation  of  a  day  to  verify  this  truth,  whether  among  the  one 
race  or  the  other.  Respectfully  Tours., 

B.  F.  MOOBE. 


BUREAU  REF.,  FREEDMEN  AND  ABANDONED  LANDS, 
Office  Superintendent  Central  Dis.  Raleigh,  N.  C.  Oct.  3d,  1866. 
Mr.  J.  E.  CPEara,  Secretary,  &c. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  note  of  invitation 
requesting  me  to  honor  you  with  my  presence  and  to  address  you'during  the 
hours  of  your  Convention. 

I  regret  exceedingly  that  I  cannot  accept  your  kind  and  flattering  invitation  to 
address  you,  on  account  of  serving  on  a  General  Court  Martial  in  addition  to  my 
duties  as  Superintendent  of  the  Bureau  of  R.  F.  and  A.  L.  Even  had  I  the  time, 
I  do  not  think  I  could  address  you  on  account  of  not  knowing  the  object  or  pur- 
pose of  your  Convention.  I  hope  to  be  able  to  visit  your  Convention  some  time 
during  the  session,  and  will  if  possible. 
With  my  best  wishes  for  your  success  and  prosperity, 

I  Remain  Very  Respectfully  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

A.  G.  BRADY. 
BrvH.  Col.  and  Supt. 

On  motion,  that  delegates  not  present  at  the  call  of  the  roll 
or  fifteen  minutes  afterwards,  should  be  fined  unless  a  good 
and  satisfactory  excuse  be  rendered,  created  a  very  lively  dis- 
cussion, which  lasted  about  half  an  hour.  The  motion,  how- 
ever, was  carried. 

The  motion  that  no  person  should  be  recognised  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Convention  unless  they  pay  their  assessments, 
brought  about  a  very  warm  debate,  several  gentlemen  partici- 
pating.    Motion  lost. 


12 

Jas.  H.  Harris  offered  a  Constitution,  governing  an  Educa- 
tional Association,  which  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
business.     Reported  upon  and  adopted,  as  follows : 

CONSTITUTION  OF   THE   EDUCATIONAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  THE  COLORED 
PEOPLE   OF   NOBTH-CABOLINA. 

/ 

1st.  This  Association  shall  be  known  as  the  Freedmen's  Educational  Associa- 
tion of  North-Carolina. 

2d.  The  object  of  this  Association  shall  be  to  aid  in  the  establishment  of 
schools,  from  which  none  shall  be  excluded  on  account  of  color  or  poverty,  and 
to  encourage  unsectarian  education  in  this  State,  especially  among  the  freedmen. 

3d.  It  6hall  assist  educational  associations  in  counties,  towns  or  captain's  dis- 
tricts, to  obtain  teachers,  and  in  all  other  matters  that  circumstances  shall  make 
desirable. 

4th.  Any  adult  who  is  in  favor  of  the  above  object,  may  become  amemberof 
the  Association  by  signing  this  constitution  and  contributing  one  dollar  at  the 
beginning  of  each  year.  The  President,  Secretary  and  Treasurer  of  all  auxiliaries 
shall  be  members  ex  officio. 

5th.  Any  member  contributing  fifty  dollars  in  one  or  two  instalments,  shall  be- 
come a  director  for  life  and  shall  be  entitled  to  attend  and  yote  at  all  regular 
meetings  of  the  board  of  managers. 

6th.  The  officers  shall  be  a  President,  three  Vice  Presidents,  a  Secretary,  a 
Treasurer  and  thirteen  managers  ;  nine  of  which  shall  reside  in  or  near  Raleigh. 
The  President,  Secretary  and  Treasurer  shall  be  ex  officio  members  of  the  board  of 
managers.  The  officers  hereafter  shall  be  chosen  four  each  year,  to  hold  office 
for  the  term  of  three  years.  In  case  of  a  vacancy  in  any  office  the  managers  shall 
make  an  appointment,  to  hold  until  the  next  annual  meeting. 

7th.  The  board  of  managers  shall  invite  the  co-operation  of  benevolent  indivi- 
duals and  associations  in  the  work  ol  education.  They  may  provide  lecturers, 
&c.  They  shall  require  the  Treasurer  to  give  ample  security,  and  in  general, 
shall  have  full  authority  to  conduct  the  affairs  of  the  Association,  subject  to  its 
approval.  But  they  shall  not  without  instructions  involve  the  Association  in 
debt,  nor  shall  any  of  them  receive  any  compensation  from  the  treasury. 

8th.  The  annual  meeting  of  this  Association  shall  be  held  on  the  20th  day  of 
January  in  each  year,  at  which  time  the  Treasurer  and  board  of  managers  shall 
present  written  reports  and  officers  shall  be  elected. 

9th.  This  Constitution  may  be  amended  by  a  two-thirds  vote  at  any  annual 
meeting,  Provided,  the  amendment  has  been  proposed  at  the  previous  annual 
meeting,  or  re'eommended  one  month  beforehand  by  the  managers,  in  connection 
with  the  call  of  the  meeting. 

10th.  It  shall  be  the  imperative  duty  of  every  teacher  to  fill  out  such  blanks  as 
may  be  sent  to  him  by  the  superintendent,  giving  a  correct  report  of  the  condi- 
tion of  the  schools. 

11th.  No  officer  shall  receive  compensation  for  his  services  from  the  Treasury, 
except  his  traveling  expenses. 

On  motion  the  meeting  adjourned  to  meet  at  2  o'clock,  p.  in. 


13 
AFTERNOON"  SESSION— 2  O'clock,  P.  M. 

Convention  assembled  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

J.  H.  Harris  in  the  Chair. 

The  unfinished  business  of  the  Convention  was  then  taken 
up,  which  was  the  receiving  of  assessments  from  the  delegates. 

A  letter  from  ex-Gov.  Thomas  Bragg  was  then  read  to  the 
Convention,  as  follows  : 

Raleigh,  Oct.  3d,  1866. 
To  the  members  of  the  Convention  of  Colored  People  now  in  Session. 

I  have  received  your  polite  invitation  to  attend  the  session  of  your  Convention. 
I  have  only  time  to  say  that  my  engagements  are  such  in  the  Superior  Court  now 
in  session,  and  likely  to  be  in  session  for  the  rest  of  the  week,  that  I  cannot  pos- 
sibly avail  myself  of  your  invitation.  Otherwise  I  should  be  glad  to  accept  of  it. 
I  approve  of  its  object  and  hope  it  may  result  in  effecting  something  for  the  bene- 
fit and  improvement  of  your  people.  Every  good  citizen  should  desire  this,  and 
I  assure  you  it  will  always  give  me  pleasure  to  contribute  in  any  way  that  I  can  to 
such  a  purpose.        I  am  Very  Respectfully,  Tour  Friend,  &c, 

THOMAS  BRAGG. 

Shortly  after  reading  ex-Gov.  Bragg's  letter,  Gov.  Worth 
was  announced.  Upon  which  the  Sergeant  at  Arms  escorted 
him  into  the  house.  He  was  then  introduced  to  the  President 
of  the  Convention  by  J.  E.  O'Hara,  and  by  J.  H.  Harris  to 
the  Convention. 

The  Governor  then  proceeded  to  address  the  Convention. 
His  discourse  was  on  morality,  education  and  religion.  He 
urges  the  people  to  acquire  habits  of  industry,  sobriety  and 
honesty ;  he  also  spoke  touchingly  on  the  late  war ;  of  the 
present  position  and  feelings  of  the  most  intelligent  classes  of 
both  races,  and  in  conclusion  strongly  urges  upon  them  the 
importance  of  acquiring  knowledge  and  wealth. 

He  was  then  cordially  greeted  by  J.  It.  Good  as  a  personal 
friend,  and  one  who  voted  for  his  emancipation  in  the  Legis- 
lature of  18 — . 

A  vote  of  thanks  was  then  tendered  to  the  Governor  by  the 
Convention,  upon  which  the  President  expressed  the  feeling 
and  gratitude  of  the  Convention. 

The  Convention  then  sung  "  Sound  the  loud  Timbrel,"  after 
which  the  Governor  retired  amidst  loud  and  hearty  cheers. 


14 

A  motion  to  receive  certain  gentlemen  as  honorary  members 
of  the  Convention  created  quite  a  debate  by  various  persons, 
which  lasted  some  considerable  length  of  time,  but  was  finally 
carried. 

By  order  of  the  President,  the  business  Committee  reported 
through  their  Chairman,  Dr.  H.  J.  Brown,  the  following 
resolutions,  which  were  received,  but  not  adopted,  at  a  previ- 
ous meeting : 

Whereas,  In  the  Counties  of  Jones,  Duplin,  Wayne,  Craven,  Hyde,  Halifax, 
and  others  in  this  State,  outrages  are  being  committed,  such  as  killing,  shooting, 
and  robbing  the  unprotected  people,  for  the  most  trivial  offence,  and,  in  many 
instances,  for  no  offence  at  all ;  and,  whereas,  those  criminals  who  permit  these 
fiendish  outrages  are  allowed  to  roam  freely  at  large  without  being  arrested  for 
their  crimes;  therefore, 

1.  Be  it  resolved,  That  the  colored  people  in  every  county,  district  and  village 
throughout  the  State  form  themselves  into  auxiliary  leagues,  which  leagues  must 
be  connected  with  the  State  organization,  its  bureau  to  be  located  in  Raleigh,  N. 
C.,  and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  receive  reports  of  outrages  from  auxiliary 
leagues,  or  from  the  people  of  said  counties,  &c,  and  communicate  them  to  head- 
quarters, and  such  newspapers  throughout  the  county  as  it  may  deem  proper,  so 
that  the  government  and  the  world  may  know  of  the  cruelties  inflicted  upon  us 
and  the  disadvantages  under  which  we  labor. 

2.  Resolved,  That  the  representatives  of  the  colored  people  of  North-Carolina 
fully  appreciate,  with  profound  gratitude,  and  endorse  the  action  of  the  39th 
Congress  in  the  passage  of  the  Freedmen's  Bureau  bill,  Civil  Rights  bill  and  the 
Constitutional  amendment.  Hoping  that  a  like  spirit  of  justice  and  humanity 
may  guide  the  acts  of  their  40th  session,  until  legislation  shall  protect  equally  the 
rights  of  all  American  people,  without  regard  to  race  or  color,  for  which  we 
ghali  ever  pray. 

3.  Whereas,  The  unreconstructed  States  regard  taxation  without  representation 
unjust,  and  not  in  conformity  with  a  Republican  form  of  government ;  therefore, 

Be  it  resolved,  That  we  native  born  colored  citizens  of  North-Carolina  regard 
the  same  principle  as  applicable  to  us  in  every  relation,  unjust  and  directly  in 
violation  to  our  sacred  rights  as  American  citizens ;  and, 

4.  Whereas,  In  and  through  the  counties  of  this  State  our  children,  the  dearest 
ties  of  which  binds  us  to  domestic  life,  and  which  makes  the  ties  of  home  en- 
dearing, are  ruthlessly  taken  from  us  and  bound  out  without  our  consent ;  there- 
fore, 

Be  it  resolved,  That  we  earnestly  protest  against  such  violations,  and  will  do  all 
in  our  power  to  prevent  its  further  continuation. 

5.  Resolved,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  member  of  the  Convention  on 
returning  home  to  form  or  cause  to  be  formed  an  Equal  Rights  League  in  or  near 
the  place  wherein  such  member  shall  reside,  and  to  do  all  in  his  power  to  promote 
their  increase  throughout  other  portions  of  his  county. 

6.  Resolved,  That  the  delegates  of  this  Convention  advise  the  colored  people, 
in  their  respective  localities,  to  form  themselves  into  joint  State  companies, 
wherever  practical ;  also,  that  they  respect  and  patronize  each  other  in  their 
various  branches  of  business. 


15 

7.  That  a  vote  of  thanks  he  rendered  to  the  State  Legislature  for  the  respectful 
manner  in  which  they  received  and  acted  upon  our  petition  at  their  last  sitting. 

8.  Resolved,  That  the  members  of  the  State  Legislature  have  the  entire  confi- 
dehce  of  this  Convention,  and  of  all  good  thinking  colored  citizens  of  this  State, 
and  that  we  shall  earnestly  pray  for  the  reconstruction  of  our  beloved  State,  and 
for  their  prosperity. 

9.  Resolved,  That  a  vote  of  thanks  be  tendered  to  the  honorable  Chas.  Sumner, 
Thaddeus  Stevens,  Wade,  Trumbull,  H.  Greely  and  to  Fred.  Douglas,  Henry  H. 
Garnet  and  other  beacon  lights  of  our  raee.' 

On  motion  the  above  resolutions  were  adopted. 

It  was  then  announced  that  Dr.  H.  J.  Brown  would  deliver 
a  lecture  on  Phrenology  and  Ethnology  in  the  evening,  doors 
to  be  opened  at  7  o'clock,  and  lecture  to  commence  at  8  o'clock. 

According  to  appointment  the  lower  part  of  the  house 
was  crowded  with  an  audience  of  both  races. 

The  Doctor's  lecture  was  one  that  would  have  done  credit 
to  the  most  learned  person.  He  did  not  claim  to  belong  either 
to  the  white  or  black  race,  but  his  sympathies  were  with  the 
negro  race,  because  of  their  circumstances  and  their  being 
held  as  inferior  to  the  Caucassian.  He  furthermore  showed 
that  according  to  science  that  no  two  races  on  the  face  of  the 
globe  were  so  much  alike  as  the  Caucassian  and  the  negro. 
He  plainly  showed  that  the  same  imitative,  moral  and  intel- 
lectual faculties  were  found  in  the  brain  of  the  negro  as  were 
found  in  the  brain  of  the  Caucasian.  He  farther  showed  the 
difference  between  the  American  Indian  and  the  Caucasians, 
stating  the  fact  that  the  American  will  not  accept  nor  can  be 
made  to  appreciate  arts,  science,  literature  and  religion, 
again  showing  that  we  find  men  of  the  negro  race  who  has 
brought  these  various  branches  to  perfection,  and  can  compete 
with  white  men,  showing  the  negro  race  superior  to  the 
American  Indian,  and  in  every  respect  equal  to  Caucasian  or 
Anglo  Saxon.  For  an  illustration  he  mentioned  Isaiah  Weir, 
of  Philadelphia,  with  whom  statesmen  and  gentlemen  are 
glad  to  meet  in  counsel  with,  and  also  feel  proud  to  be  counted 
as  one  of  his  acquaintances.  He  next  mentioned  Henry 
Highland  Garnet,  a  pure  representative  of  the  negro  race,  by 
whom  statesmen  are  led,  and  whenever  he  speaks  they  listen 
with  awe  and  astonishment,  and  are  glad  to  be  permitted  to 
associate  with  him.    Thus  did  the  Doctor  show  that  inferiority 


16 

of  which  the  negro  is  charged,  if  it  is  in  any  instances  true, 
it  is  owing  to  the  state  of  slavery  under  which  they  have 
been  kept,  not  allowing  the  faculties  of  the  mind  to  be  devel- 
oped ;  therefore  it  is  the  white  man's  shame. 

After  making  a  few  Phrenological  examinations,  the  songs : 
"  Washington,  our  Capital,  is  free,"  and  John  Brown's  song 
was  sung,  the  audience  was  dismissed,  with  the  thanks  ot  Dr. 
Brown. 


THIRD  DAY'S  SESSION. 

Thursday,  Oct.  4th,  1866. 

Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

J.  R.  Good  in  the  Chair. 

Beligious  exercises  conducted  by  the  Chaplain,  G.  A.  Rue, 
assisted  by  Rev.  A.  Bass. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  its  regular  business, 
calling  the  roll  of  delegates,  reading  and  approving  the  min- 
utes of  the  previous  meeting,  reading  the  rules,  &c. 

Mr.  Richard  Tucker  then  stated  the  necessity  of  paying 
strict  attention  to  business. 

J.  R.  Page  introduced  several  resolutions,  which  was  refer- 
red to  the  business  committee. 

The  remainder  of  the  morning  was  spent  in  allowing  dele- 
gates of  the  various  counties  to  express  their  views,  and  m  ake 
a  true  statement  of  their  treatment  in  the  counties  in  which 
they  reside. 

J.  H.  Harris,  of  Wake,  made  a  few  opening  remarks,  and 
retired  amidst  great  applause. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Bowman  and  J.  R.  Good  concurred  with  the 
remarks  of  the  President. 

On  motion  the  Convention  pledged  itself  to  raise  $2,000  to 
build  a  house  for  School  and  State  purposes. 

Rev.  Mr.  Pitt,  of  Edgecomb,  opposed  the  motion. 

Question  called  for  and  motion  carried. 

On  motion  a  Committee  of  three  was  appointed  to  estimate 
the  cost  of  building  a  suitable  house,  consisting  of  Messrs.  J . 
T.  Schenck,  Stewart  Ellison  and  Caesar  Johnson. 


17 

Mr.  Bell,  of  Lenoir,  in  his  address  stated  that  his  people 
had  been  outraged,  and  that  the  officers  of  the  Freedmen's 
Bureau  had  done  but  very  little  in  behalf  of  the  Freedinen  in 
that  sub-district* 

Mr.  H.  Pool,  of  Camden,  stated  that  in  the  section  of  the 
country  in  which  he  resided,  that  there  is  a  feeling  of  perfect 
love  and  harmony  between  the  two  races,  and  that  everything 
is  prospering  with  great  advantages  to  both  parties. 

On  motion  the  Convention  adjourned  to  meet  at  2  o'clock, 
p,  m» 


AFTERNOON  SESSION— 2  O'Clock,  P.  M. 

Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

J.  R.  Good  in  the  Chair. 

Ninety-two  members  present. 

The  afternoon  session  was  spent  in  a  similar  manner  to  that 
of  the  morning,  allowing  delegates  to  make  their  statements. 

After  reading  the  minutes  of  the  morning  session,  Mr.  S 
Ellison  moved  its  approval.     Mr.  J.  T.  Schenck  opposed. 

In  the  discussion  the  Chairman  sustained  the  minutes. 

Dr.  Brown  arose,  stating  that  it  was  unnecessary  to  publish 
every  trivial  matter  that  occurred  in  the  Convention. 

On  motion  the  minutes  were  approved,  that  they  be  correc- 
ted by  the  publishing  committee. 

Calvin  MacCray,  of  Richmond,  states  in  his  address  that 
the  (colored)  people  residing  in  Richmond  county  are  most 
shamefully  treated  by  the  whites.  Their  money  and  fire 
arms  are  taken  from  them  under  the  pretext  that  it  is  an 
order  issued  for  them  to  take  these  things  away,  and  colored 
laborers  are  most  cruelly  whipped  on  plantations. 

Mr.  Edmund  Bird,  of  Alamance,  in  his  address  showed 
that  the  only  prejudice  existing  against  the  negro  is  only  en- 
tertained by  the  lower  and  ignorant  class  of  whites,  whilst  the 
intelligent  and  better  classes  are  disposed  to  help  the  negro. 

The  discourses  of  Messrs.  Powell  and  Leak,  of  Anson, 


18 

showed  that  there  was  a  spirit  of  harmony  and  kindly  feeling 
existing  between  the  whites  and  blacks. 

Mr.  J.  A.  Green,  of  Gates,  in  his  address  spoke  in  the  high- 
est terms  of  the  whites  in  his  county. 

Mr.  Hubbard  Little,  of  Montgomery,  in  his  address  spoke 
well  of  the  whites  in  general,  but  we  were  pained  to  hear 
from  him  that  a  colored  man  was  shot  and  instantly  killed  for 
trespassing  on  the  premises  of  a  white  person,  and  he  farther 
states  that  his  people  are  in  a  most  deplorable  condition,  they 
having  no  colored  church  nor  school  house. 

Mr.  Thos.  Hawking,  of  Burke,  in  his  address  states  that 
two  colored  persons  have  recently  been  shot  down,  and  the 
whites  entertain  a  feeling  of  prejudice  and  animosity  against 
the  blacks. 

Mr.  Thos.  Farmer,  ol  Wilson,  stated  that  the  people  has 
suffered  greatly  from  injustice,  but  things  begin  to  wear  a 
bright  future. 

Mr.  Louis  Heagie,  of  Forsyth,  stated  that  the  mass  of  the 
colored  people  in  that  county  were  in  an  abject  state  of 
poverty. 

Mr.  J.  R.  Caswell  announced  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pell  would 
address  the  Convention  this  (Thursday)  evening. 

Mr.  Caswell  also  stated  that  Mr.  Harrison  would  be  present 
also. 

After  an  address  from  Mr.  H.  Langford,  of  Northampton, 
Secretary  J.  E.  O'Hara  read  answers  to  invitations  from  Ex- 
Gov.  "W.  W.  Holden,  Col.  Bumford,  Brevet  Major-General  A. 
Carr  of  the  TJ.  S.  A.,  and  D.  M.  Barringer,  Esq.,  as  follows : 

Raleigh,  Oct.  3d,  1866. 
To  Mr.  James  E.  O'Hara,  Secretary, 

Dear  Sib  :  Tour  letter  of  yesterday,  inviting  me  to  visit  the  Convention  of 
colored  people  now  in  session  in  this  City,  has  been  received. 

The  object  of  yonr  Convention,  as  I  am  informed,  is  to  promote  education 
among  your  race,  and  thus  elevate  and  improve  it  mentally  and  morally.  This 
is  a  noble  work,  and  one  in  which  every  patriot  and  philanthropist  is  pleased  to 
see  yon  engaged.  I  trust  the  results  of  your  labors  may  be  for  good  to  the  col- 
ored people ;  and  I  feel  sure  that  the  country  and  all  its  material  and  moral  in- 
terests will  be  benefitted  in  proportion  as  your  race  shall  be  enlightened  and  ele- 
vated in  the  scale  of  being. 

Be  pleased  to  convey  to  the  Convention  my  acknowledgments  for  the  invita- 


19 

tion  thus  tendered,  and  say  to  them  that  it  will  afford  me  pleasure  to  visit  the 
Convention  before  it  adjourns.  Very  Respectfully, 

W/W.  HOLDEN. 


Raleigh,  N.  O.  Oct.  4th,  1866. 
Gentlemen  :  I  have  the  honor  to  express  my  grateful  sense  of  the  compliment 
paid  me  in  your  invitation  of  yesterday  to  be  present  at  your  Convention  in  this 
City,  as  well  as  for  the  flattering  manner  in  which  that  invitation  was  conveyed. 
In  reply  thereto,  I  beg  leave  to  assure  you  that  it  will  afford  me  much  pleasure 
to  be  present  this  afternoon:  say  about  half  past  3  o'clock,  if  I  may  be  allowed' 
to  attend  simply  as  a  listener,  and  as  a  silent  iriend,  much  interested  in  whatever 
interests  you  or  your  cause.  If  not,  then  I  must  ask  the  indulgence  to  postpone 
my  visit  to  a  future  occasion.       I  am  Gentlemen, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obedient  Servant 

J.  V.  BOMFORD. 
Col.  8th  V.  S.  Infy.  Comanding. 
Messrs  J.  H.  CasweU,  of  Wake  county,  Chairman,  Henry  Tope,  of  Randolph  county, 
John  Hyman,  of  Warren  county,  J.  E.  CHara,  of  Wayne  county,  John  Porter,  of 
Davidson  county. 


Headquabters  Post  of  Raleigh,  N.  C,  Oct.  3d,  1866. 
Messrs  J.  B.  CasweU,  Harry  Pope,  John  Hyman,  J.  E.  CHara,  John  Porter. 

I  herewith  acknowledge  the  invitation  this  day  received  at  your  hands  to  be 
present  at  the  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  the  colored  people  of  North-Caro- 
lina now  in  session. 

I  shall  be  glad  to  see  something  of  the  workings  of  your  Convention,  and  will 
be  present  at  such  times  as  my  duties  will  permit. 

Very  Respectfully  &c. 

E.  H.  CARR. 
BrvH.  Maj.  Gen.  Comanding. 


Raleigh,  Oct.  4th,  1866. 
Mr.  J.  E.  CHara,  Secretary  of  the  Convention  of  Colored  People  now  is  Session. 

Sis :  I  have  just  received  your  note  on  behalf  of  the  Convention  to  visit  and 
address  your  body  before  its  adjournment. 

It  will  not  be  in  my  power  to  make  an  address  before  the  Convention.  But 
understanding  that  you  have  assembled  for  the  purpose  of  suggesting  and  adop- 
ting the  best  means  for  the  moral  and  educational  improvement  of  your  people, 
in  a  new  and  critical  condition,  I  desire  to  express  my  approval  of  the  objects  of 
your  Convention. 

It  is  all-important  to  the  colored  as  well  as  the  white  population,  that  every 
thing  possible  be  done  to  elevate  and  enlighten  the  colored  race  in  a  true  knowl- 
edge of  their  duties  and  responsibilities  in  their  new  condition.  I 

I  am  sure  you  will  eventually  find  the  most  efficient  and  cheerful  encourage 


20 

ment  from  those  among  whom  you  have  always  lived-^-who  know  your  reel 
wants,  and  who  will  he  your  best  and  truest  friends. 

With  acknowledgements  to  the  Convention  for  their  invitation, 

I  am  Tours,  &c. 

D.  M.  BARRINGER. 

On  motion  said  letters  were  received  and  adopted,  and  the 
Secretary  ordered  to  have  them  in  readiness  for  the  publishing 
Committee, 

Immediately  after  the  passage  of  the  motion,  Maj.  Gen.  E. 
H»  Carr  and  Col.  Bomford  was  announced  to  the  Convention, 
and  received  in  its  behalf  by  J.  R.  Caswell. 

A  letter  was  received  and  read  as  follows  from  John 
Randolph,  jr. ; 

Newbern,  N.  C,  Sept.  30th,  1866; 
To  the  Colored  Citizens  of  North-  Carolina  to  Assemble  in   Convention,  at  Haleigh,  in 

October: 

Gentlemen  :  In  1865,  when  I  sat  in  Convention  With  you,  I  esteemed  it  the 
proudest  moment  of  my  life  to  be  thus  associated  With  such  men,  and  engaged  in 
such  a  work.  In  the  formation  of  the  State  Equal  Rights  League,  you  did  me 
the  hanor  of  making  me  Secretary.  This  enjoins  it  upon  me  to  be  present  at  the- 
first  Annual  meeting  of  the  League,  or  at  the  Convention. 

I  regret  very  much  that  circumstances  above  my  control  prevent  my  atten- 
dance. But,  gentlemen,  you  may  be  well  assured  that  if  absent  in  person,  I  am 
not  in  spirit.  My  heart  longs  to  be  with  you — not  because  of  the  high  estimate  I 
place  upon  my  services,  but  because  I  am  interested,  soul  and  body,,  in  the  good 
work  you  meet  to  perform. 

The  Convention  of  last  year  did  a  noble  work,  notwithstanding  all  of  us,  oil 
our  return  home  to  our  constitutents,  did  not  receive  the  welcome  plaudit  of 
"■  well  done,  good  and  faithful  servants."  But  all  was  not  completed.  There 
etill  remains  a  vast  deal  to  do. 

It  is  claimed  by  some  that  we  now  have  equal  rights  in  law.  How  far  this  ie 
true,  you  must  decide.  If  you  6hould  find  it  true,  then  you  must  consider  the 
extent  of  our  political  rights,  The  education  of  our  people  should  form  an  im- 
portant item  in  your  deliberations;  and  the  laboring  interests  of  our  people  must 
not  be  forgotten.  Our  people  must  be  taught  to  confide  in  each  other,  and  assist 
each  other ;  the  lack  of  this  is  doing  a  destructive  work  among  us.  And  they 
must  learn,  also,  men  and  women,  that  "  the  richest  treasure  modem  times  af- 
ford, is  spotless  reputatioh." 

It  must  be  remembered  that  these  are  peculiar  times  in  which  we  live,  and  is 
all  your  counsel  and  deliberations,  show  yourselves  "as  harmless  as  doves,  but 
as  wise  as  serpents,"  to  the  end  that  we  all  may  be  benefitted,  and  peace  and 
good-will  prevail. 

May  the  Presence  of  God  be  with  you,  and  His  wisdom  direct  you,  that  your 
duties  may  be  performed  with  honor  to  yourselves,  and  profit  to  the  State  and 
country.  Respectfully, 

JOHN  RANDOLPH,  J&. 


2i 

Mr.  C.  Harrel's,  of  Bertie,  discourse  was  one  series  of  com- 
plaint, stating  that  colored  men  were  cheated  out  of  their 
labor,  children  were  taken  and  bound  without  the  consent  or 
consultation  of  their  parents,  no  schools  for  colored  persons 
in  the  vicinity. 

Mr.  Charles  Carter  also  made  the  same  statement  in  regard 
to  injustice  towards  the  (colored)  laborer,  and  the  binding  out 
of  children  without  the  consent  of  their  parents.  He  also 
states  that  these  matters  are  known  to  agents  of  the  Freed- 
men's  Bureau,  but  they  take  no  steps  to  arrest  the  evil  in  its 
onward  march. 

The  delegates  gave  way  to  listen  to  the  address  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Pell. 

He  was  introduced  to  the  Convention  by  Jas.  H.  Harris. 

Mr.  Pell,  in  his  address,  stated  that  he  had  always  cherished 
a  warm  feeling  towards  the  colored  people,  and  if  the  people 
of  both  races  would  go  to  work  as  they  ought,  and  they  will 
shortly  have  to  do,  North-Carolina  will  become  a  giant  State. 
He  was  loudly  applauded. 

A  vote  of  thanks  was  tendered  to  Rev.  Mr.  Pell  for  his 
address. 

The  Rev.  F.  A.  Fiske,  State  Superintendent  of  Schools  in 
Korth-Carolina  was  next  introduced.  He  made  a  few  remarks 
touching  on  the  point  of  education.  He  then  made  a  distri- 
bution of  some  papers  for  the  use  of  the  freedmen. 

D  r.  Brown  then  presented  the  Convention  with  $22,  the 
proceeds  of  the  lecture  given  the  previous  night. 

A  vote  of  thanks  was  then  given  to  t)r.  Blown,  who  respon- 
ded in  a  very  feeling  and  touching  manner. 

Great  enthusiasm  prevailed  during  his  remarks. 

Mr.  II.  IJnthanks,  of  Guilford,  in  his  address,  informed  the 
Convention  that  the  greatest  feeling  of  love  and  unity  existed 
between  both  races  in  his  County.  He  said  that  the  daughters 
of  Gov;  Morehead  was  earnestly  engaged  in  teaching  colored 
"  ideas  how  to  shoot;" 

Mr*  T.  At  Sykes,  of  Pasquotank,  in  his  address  spoke  in 
the  highest  terms  of  the  whites  in  the  county  wherein  he  re- 
sides, and  he  firmly  believes  that  it  is  their  intention  to  assist 


the  colored  people  in  their  onward  march  to  education  and 
intelligence. 

It  was  then  announced  that  Kev.  F.  A.  Fiske  and  J.  W* 
Hood  would  speak  at  the  next  meeting. 

On  motion  Convention  adjourned  to  meet  according  to  rule. 


NIGHT  SESSION. 

Convention  assembled  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

J.  R.  Good  in  the  Chair. 

Religious  exercises  conducted  by  the  Chaplain,  G.  A.  Rue. 

Mr.  A.  Stokes,  of  Wilkes,  addressed  the  audience.  His  ad- 
dress was  lengthy,  humorous  and  witty. 

Rev.  F.  A.  Fiske  was  introduoed  to  the  Convention. 

His  address  was  solely  on  education.  Among  other  facte 
mentioned  by  the  Rev.  F.  A.  Fiske,  we  will  notice  the  follow- 
ing :  "  North-Carolina,  in  regard  to  free  schools  for  colored 
people,  has  a  good  reputation  to  sustain.  According  to  a  re- 
cent report  of  the  Bureau  inspector  of  Freedmen's  schools, 
(whose  office  is  located  in  Washington,  D.  C.,)  she  stands 
second  in  the  number  of  such  schools,  and  third  in  the  num- 
ber of  scholars  under  instructions  in  them." 

Rev.  Jas.  W.  Hood  was  next  introduced  to  the  Convention. 
He  delivered  a  lengthy  and  instructive  address  on  the  subject 
of  education. 

We  greatly  regret  to  learn  that  John  D.  Whitford,  Esq., 
was  kept  in  waiting  and  not  able  to  get  to  the  Convention 
through  the  negligence  of  persons  On  the  invitation  Commit- 
tee, who  should  have,  according  to  promise,  conducted  him  to 
the  Convention.  We,  therefore,  tender  our  apology  to  the 
honorable  gentleman. 

The  following  resolution  was  read  and  adopted :: 

Hesolved,  That  we,  the  representatives  of  the  colored  people  of  North-Carolina, 
in  Convention  now  assemhled,  have  adopted  a  Constitution  for  ah  Educational 
Association,  and  we  would  recommend  to  the  petople  of  our  State  to  recognize  no 
other. 

(For  the  Constitution  adopted  see  12th  page.] 


FOURTH  DAY'S  SESSION. 

Friday,  Oct.  5th,  1866. 

Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

James  H.  Harris  of  Wake,  in  the  chair. 

Devotional  exercise  by  the  Chaplain,  Rev.  Geo.  A.  Rue. 

Roll  called  and  rules  read  by  Secretay,  J.  S.  Leary. 

Reading  of  Minutes  of  previous  session  by  Secretary  Caw- 
thorn. 

On  motion,  the  Minutes  of  the  previous  session  were  ap- 
proved. 

Dr.  Brown,  Chairman  of  the  Business  Committee,  having 
been  called  away,  on  account  of  his  family  being  sick,  the 
duty  of  Chairman  devolved  on  Rev.  George  A.  Rue. 

On  motion,  Mr.  Ballard  was  appointed  on  the  Business 
Committee. 

Ex-Gov.  W.  W.  Holden  was  announced. 

J.  R.  Caswell  then  invited  him  to  address  the  Convention. 

He  was  introduced  to  the  audience  by  James  H.  Harris. 

Gov.  Holden  spoke  with  much  plainness  and  feeling.  He 
told  them  that  if  two  years  ago  any  one  had  predicted  that 
the  colored  people  would  be  free,  holding  a  Convention  like 
this,  and  would  be  visited  and  addressed  by  the  Governor  of 
the  State  on  their  duties  and  responsibilities  as  a  new  people, 
that  person  would  have  been  regarded  as  wanting  in  sanity. 
He  said  this  to  impress  upon  them  a  due  sense  of  their  situa- 
tion and  responsibilies.  If  their  liberty  had  been  assured  them 
in  so  short  a  time,  with  protection  by  law  to  their  persons  and 
property,  they  might  well  look  forward  with  hope  to  the  future. 
He  was  glad  the  Governor  of  the  State  had  visited  them  and 
made  them  a  speech.  It  would,  do  good  here,  and  do  good 
among  the  Northern  people. 

Gov.  H.  said  the  father  of  his  country,  George  Washington, 
by  his  last  will  and  testament  emancipated  his  slaves  ;  and 
that  Abraham  Lincoln,  the  saviour  of  his  country,  by  the 
force  of  circumstances  which  must  have  been  shaped  by  Di- 
vine Providence,  had  put  his  hand  to  a  document  which  ha<l 
liberated  four  millions  of  slaves.  It  would  be  useless  for  those 


who  formerly  owned  this  race  to  repine.  He  believed  Irat  few 
did  repine.  It  was  submitted  to  as  an  event  whieh  no  hu- 
man foresight  could  have  averted.  He  thought  the  general 
good  feeling  between  the  two  races  in  this  State  should  be 
cultivated  and  strengthened.  This  was  the  home  of  the  black 
man  as  well  as  of  the  white.  The  two  races  should  mutually 
sustain  each  other.  The  black  man  needed  the  knowledge 
the  white  man  had  of  the  arts  and  sciences,  and  of  history  and 
government.  He  was  also  dependent  on  the  white  man  for 
lands  and  houses.  The  white  race  needed  the  black  as  aids 
in  cultivating  and  improving  the  country.  They  might  also 
be  needed  to  defend  the  country  against  foreign  foes.  They 
would  be  the  main  reliance  in  some  portions  of  the  State  in 
producing  the  great  staples.  The  first  care  of  the  black  peo- 
ple should  be  to  procure  homes,  no  matter  how  cheap  or  small. 
To  do  this  they  must  be  industrious,  temperate  and  economi- 
cal. Labor  was  the  first  great  consideration.  They  had  no 
time  to  waste  at  public  gatherings — they  should  not  congre- 
gate in  the  towns  in  greater  numbers  than  might  be  necessary 
for  business  ;  and  they  should  avoid  all  temptations  to  idle- 
ness and  disspation.  The  first  thing  was  to  get  homes,  and 
the  next  was,  while  they  still  labored  to  improve  and  add  to 
their  possessions,  to  educate  their  children.  Education  was 
good  for  all  races  and  colors.  "-Knowledge  was  power."  As 
a  general  rule,  people  were  virtuous  an<J  useful  m  proportion 
as  they  were  educated,  and  vicious  and  useless  in  the  world 
when  sunk  deep  in  ignorance.  Knowledge,  like  the  sun,  was 
for  all.  He  believed  the  colored  race  was  capable  of  much 
greater  mental  improvement  than  they  had  thus  far  reached. 
Their  memories  were  certainly  very  good.  This  might  be 
the  result,  to  some  extent,  of  their  condition  of  slavery,  in 
which  the  memory  had  been  developed  by  their  habit,  as  they 
could  not  write,  of  charging  their  minds  with  facts  and  events- 
He  had  observed  that  the  colored  child  was  apt  to  learn.  But 
memory  was  merely  the  common  laborer  who  brought  and 
piled  up  the  materials ;  judgment  was  the  builder. 

Gov.  H.  in  conclusion,  said  the  true  interest  of  the  colored 
race  was  to  cultivate  the  friendship  of  the  whites ;  and  the 


whites  would  also  find  their  true  interest  in  doing  justice  to 
the  blacks  and  in  cultivating  their  friendship.  The  colored 
people  were  entitled  to  all  their  civil  rights,  and  would  have 
them.  The  common  government  would  see  to  that,  if  neces- 
sary ;  but  he  did  not  believe  that  such  necessity  would  arise. 
He  hoped  it  would  not.  South-Carolina  had  just  passed  a 
law  doing  full  justice  to  the  colored  people  in  this  respect. 
No  one  thought  of  or  proposed  social  equality  between  the 
two  races.  Society  would  always  take  care  of  itself.  He  urged 
the'colored  people  for  the  present  to  keep  out  of  politics.  It  was 
a  "weariness  to  the  flesh  "  among  the  white  people.  They  had 
not  yet  demonstrated  their  capacity  for  self-government,  and 
would  not,  until  the  Union  was  restored  and  our  liberties  con- 
solidated on  the  everlasting  rock  of  Truth  and  Justice.  Gov. 
H.  was  not  ashamed  nor  afraid  to  say,  while  he  was  true  to 
his  own  race,  and  looked  forward  with  confidence  to  the 
mighty  destiny  they  would  accomplish  for  themselves  on  this 
continent,  that  he  was  at  the  same  time  the  friend  of  the  col- 
ored race.  He  wished  them  well.  He  trusted  they  would 
continue  to  improve  in  knowledge  and  virtue;  that  they 
would  abide  in  peace  among  the  whites,  contributing  their 
full  share  to  the  stock  of  advancement,  prosperity,  and  hap- 
piness ;  and  that  they  would  yet  be  a  people  in  the  earth. 
The  colored  people  would  always  find  him  a  friend  and  well 
wisher,  without  the  slightest  regard  to  what  might  be  said  of 
him  by  office-seekers  or  demagogues.  He  had  lived  long 
enough,  and  seen  enough  of  the  world  to  know,  that  the  only 
true  rule  was  to  try  to  do  right  in  all  things  and  under  all 
circumstances,  without  regard  to  consequences. 

Mr.  J.  B.  Good  of  Craven,  responded,  warmly  approving  of 
what  Gov.  H.  had  said. 

Mr.  Bowman  of  Cumberland,  next  addressed  the  Conven- 
tion, stating  that  he  entertained  no  party  feeling. 

Also,  the  Rev.  A.  Bass,  Messrs.  J.  S.  Leary,  A.  Patcher 
and  others  spoke  in  approbation  of  what  ex-Gov.  Holden 
had  said. 

On  motion,  a  vote  of  thanks  was  tendered  to  the  ex-Gover- 
nor, who  arose  and  thanked  the  Convention  for  the  manner  in 
which  he  was  received. 


"On  motion,  a  Committee  were  appointed  consisting  of 
Messrs.  J.  R.  Caswell  of  Wake,  J.  E.  Good  of  Craven,  W.  D. 
Newson  of  Hertford,  James  Bowman  of  Cumberland  and  J. 
S.  Porter  of  Davidson. 

The  Business  Committee,  through  their  Chairman,  Rev. 
George  A.  "Rue,  reported  an  address  to  the  citizens  of  North- 
Carolina,  as  follows : 

Address  of  the  Freedmen's  Convention  to  the  White  and  Colored  citizens  of  North- 
Carolina. 

Fellow-Citizens  :— We,  the  colored  People  of  North-Carolina,  in  Convention 
assembled  at  Raleigh,  on  the  2nd,  3d,  4th  and  5th  days  of  Oct.  1866,  viewing  the 
complex  condition  of  affairs  and  of  public  sentiment  in  our  State,  deem  it  our 
duty  to  present  to  you  our  grievances,  our  sufferings  and  the  outrages  heaped 
upon  us,  because  of  our  helpless  and  disqualified  position  for  self-defence,  resul- 
ting, as  we  think  we  can  prove,  from  no  greater  cause  than  our  long  and  unjust 
political  disfranchisement. 

We  ask  you,  in  the  spirit  of  meekness,  is  taxation  without  representation  just? 
History  and  conscience  answer  no  ! 

We  do  not  come  to  you  in  a  spirt  of  reproach  or  denunciation,  neither  do  we 
feel  in  pleading  for  equal  rights  without  regard  to  complexional  differences,  that 
we  are  in  the  least  degree  selfish.  Nor  do  we  in  any  respect  seek  to  lower  the 
standard  of  refinement,  intelligence  or  honor  among  the  great  and  loyal  people 
of  the  commonwealth  of  North-Carolina,  by  urging  these  questions  upon  your 
consideration  at  this  time.  We  would  view  if  possible  the  brightest  side  of  the 
picture,  which  we  have  to  present,  and  give  to  our  beloved  State  all  the  honor 
and  credit  deserved  for  the  rapid  strides  which  this  great  Nation  has  been  taking 
in  the  direction  of  universal  emancipation  and  equality  before  the  law. 

Sou  will  acquiesce  when  we  say  that  we  can  boast  a  little  of  our  loyalty  to  the 
general  government,  in  the  bloody  struggle  through  which  we  have  just  passed. 
Our  fathers  fought  shoulder  to  shoulder  with  the  white  man  in  the  Revolutionary 
war,  and  in  the  war  of  1812.  They  did  their  duty  and  did  it  well.  In  the  one 
just  ended,  our  fathers,  brothers  and  sons  bared  their  breasts  to  the  fiery  storm 
to  save  the  Union. 

Fellow-Citizens :  You  have  taught  ub  one  good  thing,  which  we  eannot  for- 
get. It  is  this:  " That  all  men  are  born  free  and  equal,  and  that  they  are  en- 
dowed by  their  Creator  with  inalienable  rights.  That  among  these  are  life,  lib- 
erty and  the  pursuit  of  happiness.  That  to  secure  these  rights,  governments  are 
instituted  among  men,  deriving  their  just  powewrs  from  the  consent  of  the  gov- 
erned," &c. 

Fellow-Citizens:  Can  we  look  to  you  for  protection  or  not,  to  shield  us  from 
the  murderous  hand  ?  Oh,  humanity,  where  i6  thy  blush  ?  Our  defenceless  wives 
and  children,  fathers,  sonB  and' brothers,  are  beaten  with  clubs,  robbed,  shot  and 
killed,  in  various  localities,  and 'the  authorities  regard  it  not.  We  beg  you  ae 
white  men  in  authority  to  6hield  our  defenceless  heads,  and  guard  our  little 
homes.  We  appeal  to  your  religion  and  humanity.  We  claim  by  merit  the  right 
of  suffrage,  and  ask  it  at  your  hands.  We  believe  the  day  has  come,  when  black 
men  have  rights  which  white  men  are  bound  to  respect.  We  intend  to  live  and 
die  on  the  soil  which  gave  us  birth.    Oh,  North-Carolina,  the  land  of  our  birth, 


27 

with  all  thy  faults  we  love  thee  still.    Will  you,  oh !  will  ydu'treat  as  as  human 
beings,  with  all  our  rights  ?    It  is  all  we  ask. 

Tour  humble  servants,  in  behalf  of  the  State's  Equal  Rights  League, 

GEO.  A.  RUE,  Chairman. 

J.  T.  Schenck,  H.  Locket,  J.  A.  Sykes. 

On  motion,  it  was  adopted. 

Mr.  Jas.  H.  Harris  of  Wake,  offered  an  amendment  by  in- 
serting no  taxation  withont  representation,  which  was  accep- 
ted and  adopted, 

James  E.  O'Hara  then  made  a  lengthy  address  on  the  im- 
portance of  education. 

The  following  Constitution  of  the  Equal  Rights  League  was 
then  read': 

PREAMBLE. 
Feeling  the  stern  necessity  of  encouraging  a  well  ordered  and  dignified  life, 
and  emulating  the  efforts  of  the  friends  of  Equal  Rights  in  Newberne,  looking  to 
the  same  end,  therefore  we  aremet  in  concert  with  the  determination  to  organ- 
ize more- permanently,  consolidating  all  efforts  looking  to  our -general  elevation, 
operating  in  harmony  with  the  National  League  or  any  other  national  organisa- 
tion looking  forward  to  the  same  end. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article  1.  Resolved  that' this  Mass  Convention  shall  be  called  the  North- 
Carolina  ^tate  Equal  Rights  League. 

Art/2.  The  object  of  this 'League  shall  be  to  secure,  by  political  and  moral 
means,  as  far  as  may  be,  the  repeal  of  all  laws  and  parts  of  laws,  State  and  Na- 
tional, that  make  distinctions  on  account  of  color. 

Abt.  3.  To- accomplish  this  object  the  Society  shall  establish  its  headquarter* 
permanently  in  the  city  of  Raleigh,  N.  C.  There  it  shall  have  it6  office  and  busi- 
ness rooms;  it  shall  also  employ  the  prets  and  such  numbers  of  agents  and 
teachers  as  may  be  needed  to  carry  out  the  objects  of  its  creation. 

Art.  4.  Any  person  may  become  a  member  of  Leagues  by  subscribing  to  it* 
principles  as  above  expressed,  and  by  making  6uch  contributions  to  its  funds  as 
he  or  she  may  be  able.  Church  organizations,  societies  and  schools  may  become 
auxiliary  on  the  same  conditions,  and  shall  be  entitled  to  send  delegates  to  the 
annual  meetings  of  the  League. 

Art.  5.  Representatives  from  the  sub-Leagues,  will  communicate  with  the 
8tate  League.  The  officers  of  the  League  shall  be  a  President,  Vice  President, 
Recording  Secretary,  Corresponding  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  who  shall-  hold 
their  offices  one  year,  or  until  their  successors  are  chosen  and  qualified,  and  who, 
with  five  persons,  chosen  from  the  remaining  members  of  the  League,  shall  con- 
stitute an  Executive  Board. 

Art.  6.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  to  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the 
League  and  the  Executive  Board.  In  his  absence-these  duties  shall  be  perform- 
ed by  the  Vice-President.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Recording  Secretary  to 
keep  a  full  and  complete  record  of  the  doings  of  the  League  and  of  the  Execu- 
tive Board,  which  record  shall  be  open  to  the  inspection  of  the  members  of  the 
League  at  all  times.    It  shall  be  the  further  duty  of  the  Recording  Secretary  to 


28 

keep  all  the  books  and  papers  belonging  to  the  League  at  the  office  in  Raleigh. 
And  it  shall  further  be  the  duty  of  the  Recording  Secretary  to  take  charge  of  and 
keep  in  good  order  the  offices  and  business  rooms  of  the  League;  for  the  per- 
formance of  these  duties  the  Recording  Secretary  shall  receive  such  compensa- 
tion as  the  Executive  Board  may  determine.  The  duties  of  the  Corresponding 
Secretary  and  Treasurer  shall  be  such  as  usually  attach  to  such  offices.  The 
Treasurer  shall  give  bonds  in  the  sum  of  ©ne  thousand  dollars  ($1,000)  as  security 
for  the  proper  disbursement  of  all  funds  that  may  come  into  his  hands,  and  shall 
make  a  report  to  the  Executive  Board  of  all  moneys  received  by  him  and  expen- 
ded under1  its  Order  at  its  quarterly  meetings.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Execu- 
tive Board  to  take  charge  of  the  particular  and  general  interests  of  the  League, 
and  make  such  needful  rules  and  regulations  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  ob- 
ject of  the  League  as  sound  discretion  and  necessity  shall  dictate.  It  shall  be  the 
further  duty  of  the  Executive  Board  to  make  an  annual  report  of  itB  doings  to  the 
League  at  its  annual  meetings. 

Art.  7.  The  annual  meetings  of  the  League  for  the  election  of  officers,  hearing 
the  annual  report  of  the  Executive  Board  and  transactions  of  other  business  of 
the  League  shall  be  held  in  such  places  as  the  Executive  Board  may  determine  on 
the  first  Tuesday  in  October  in  each  year  after  1865. 

Akt.  8.  The  meetings  Of  the  Executive  Board  shall  be  held  at  the  discretion  of 
the  President,  and  at  such  places  as  he  shall  designate.  Each  meeting  shall  re- 
vise reports  from  its  agents  and  lecturers  in  regard  to  all  they  have  done  and  all 
moneys  collected;  which  reports  shall  be  preserved  by  the  Recording  Secetarv. 
It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  the  Executive  Board,  at  each  meeting,  to  settle  in  full 
with  its  agents  and  lecturers. 

Art.  9.  All  agents  shall  be  accountable  to  the  Executive  Board. 

Art.  10.  The  Excutive  Board  shall  be  paid  traveling  expenses. 

Art.  11.  A  majority  of  the  Executive  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  doing  all 
business  pertaining  to  the  League,-  tod  the  Board  shall  have  power  to  fill  vacan- 
cies by  resignation  or  death  of  its  members. 

Art.  12.  Thi6  Constitution  may  be  altered  or  amended  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds 
of  the  members  of  the  League  at  any  annual  meeting. 

Mr.  Page  moved  that  they-be  adopted  in  trie  whole.  Ob 
jected  to  by  James  O'Hara  on  the  grounds  that  the  members 
of  the  convention  would  be  better  prepared  to  vote  upon  them 
by  sections, 

J.  E.  O'Hara's  motion  was  carried  into  effect,  and  the  con- 
stitution adopted  by  sections. 

The  following  officers  were  elected  for  the  Educational  As* 
sociation : 

James  E.  O'Hara  of  Wayne,  President.  J.  T<  Sehenek  of 
Mecklenburg,  George  A.  Eue  of  Craven  and  H.  Locket  of 
Wake,  Yice  Presidents.  Wm.  Cawthorn  of  Warren,  Secre- 
tary.   Moses  Patterson  of  Wake,  Treasurer. 


BOARD   OF  MANAGERS. 

Richard  Tucker  of  Craven,  E.  A.  Richardson  of  Craven, 
C.  D.  Pierson  of  Craven,  W.  H.  Anderson  of  Wake,  Csesar 
Johnson  of  Warren,  J.  E.  Caswell  of  Wake,  H.  Unthanks  of 
Greensboro',  J.  H.  Harris  of  Wake,  T.  A.  Sykes  of  Pasquo- 
tank, J.  S.  Leary  of  Fayetteville,  J.  H.  Williamson  of  Frank- 
lin, J.  R.  Page  of  Chowan,  W.  D.  Newsom  of  Hertford. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  adjourne  to  meet  according  to 
rule. 


AFTERNOON  SESSION— 2  O'clock,  P.  M. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Mr.  Richard  Tucker,  of  Craven,  in  the  chair. 
The  Business  Committee  then  continued  their  report  through 
their  chairman  Rev.  George  A.  Rue. 

The  following  resolutions  were  received  and  adopted : 

Resolved,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  member  of  this  body  on  his  return 
home,  to  form,  or  cause  to  be  formed,  an  Equal  Rights  League,  in  or  near  the 
place  wherein  such  delegates  resides,  and  to  do  all  in  his  power  to  promote  their 
increase  through  other  portions  of  his  county. 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this  Convention  advise  the  colored  people  in 
their  respective  localities  to  form  themselves  into  joint  stock  companies  wherev- 
er practicable;  also,  to  patronize  and  respect  each  other  iu  their  various  branches 
of  business. 

Resolved,  That  a  vote  of  thanks  be  rendered  to  the  State  Legislature,  for  the  re- 
spectful manner  in  which  they  received  and  acted  upon  our  petition  at  their  last 
sitting. 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  the  State  Legislature  have  the  entire  confidence 
of  this  Convention,  and  of  all  good  colored  citizens  everywhere  in  this  State,  and 
we  shall  ever  pray  for  their  welfare  and  for  the  reconstruction  and  prosperity  of 
our  beloved  State. 

Committee  on  building  reported  through  their  chairman,  J. 
T.  Schenck : 

We,  your  Committee  on  building,  after  a  careful  and  deliberate  examination, 
find  that  to  build  a  house  that  would  be  benefical  for  a  school  house,  and  also  to 
serve  for  all  public  or  State  purposes,  would  require  at  least  two  thousand  five 
hundred  dollars  ($2,500.) 

After  a  considerable  discussion  on  the  part  of  Messrs.  Elli- 
son of  Wake,  Page  of  Chowan,  Leary  of  Cumberland,  the  re- 


30 

port  was  called  for  and  carried.  The  members  of  the  Conven- 
tion then  pledged  themselves  to- raise  the  sum  of  two  thousand 
five  hundred  dollars  ($2,500)  for  the  above  mentioned  purpose. 
Rev.  G.  A.  Rue,  chairman  of  the-  Business  Committee,  ask- 
ed leave  to  report  a  resolution : 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  after  this  evening  session  shall  adjourn  sine  die. 

On  motion,  said  resolution  was  adopted. 

On  motion,  a  nominating  committee  was  appointed  to  nom- 
inate officers  of  the  State  Equal  Rights  League,  to  serve  the 
ensuing  year,  consisting  of  Messrs.  J.  R.  Caswell,  J.  R.  Good, 
James  Bowman,  W.  D.  ISewsom  and  Stewart  Ellison.  After 
an  absence  of  about  twenty  minutes,  the  nominating  commit- 
tee returned  and  made  the  following  report,  which  on  motion, 
was  received  and  adopted : 

J.  H.  Harris  of  Wakey  President ;  J.  R.  Good  of  Craven, 
J.  R.  Caswell  of  Wake  and  Stewart  Ellison  of  Wake,  Vice 
Presidents ;  W.  H.  Anderson  of  Wake,  Recording  Secretary ; 
J.  Randolph,  Jr.,  of  Craven,  Corresponding  Secretary ;  Jag. 
Bowman  of  Cumberland,  Treasurer. 

The  Executive  board  consisted  of  Jas.  T.  Schenck  of  Meck- 
lenberg,  J.  S.  Porter  of  Davidson,  Y.  Mikeral  of  Rutherford, 
Wyatt  Outlaw  of  Alamance,  and  J.  A.  Green  of  Gates. 

On  motion,  a  Committee  on  printing  was  appointed  to  as- 
sertain  the  expenses  ot  printing  the  proceedings  of  the  press  s 
consisting  of  James  E.  O'Hara,  James  H.  Harris  and  J.  R. 
Caswell. 

On  motion,  the  Convention  adjourned  to  meet  at  7£  o'clock, 
P.M. 

James  H.  Harris  of  Wake  was  then  introduced  to  the  Con- 
vention, who  made  an  eloquent  and  patriotic  address,  pleasing 
to  both  races. 

Rev.  G.  A.  Rue  was  next  introduced  to  the  audience,  who 
made  one  of  those  soul-stirring  speeches  for  which  he  is  so 
famous. 

Rev.  James  Bowman  was  next  introduced  to  the  audience, 
who  also  made  an  eloquent  address  filled  with  good  advice  to 
the  people  both  white  and  colored. 


31 

By  request,  Kev.  G,  A.  Rue  sung  the  Loud  Timbrel,  whilst 
the  audience  assisted  in  the  chorus. 

A  collection  was  then  taken  up.  J.  R.  Caswell  made  a  few 
remarks  on  the  decrepid  state  of  financial  matters.  Col.  Brady 
then  presented  to  the  Convention  $50,00  to  assist  in  defraying 
its  expenses. 

A  motion  was  made  to  express  sincere  thanks  to  Col.  Brady 
for  his  magnanimous  and  liberal  gift.  After  which  the  vote 
of  thanks  was  tendered  and  three  hearty  cheers  given  for  Col. 
Brady  and  the  American  flag. 

After  singing  of  the  doxologies  and  receiving  the  benedic- 
tion, the  Convention  adjourned  sine  die. 

We  are  pleased  to  know  through  the  statements  made  by 
the  delegates  of  the  various  Counties,  that  notwithstanding 
various  outrages  are  being  committed  on  our  people,  that  the 
mass  of  the  whites  are  favorable  to  our  elevation. 

Whole  number  of  delegates  present  111.  Number  of  coun- 
ties represented  82.  J.  E.  O'HARA, 

Convention  Reporter. 


32 

3\>  the  Legislature  of  North- Carolina,  and  tke  Congress  of  the  V.  S.t  hereafter  to  os» 

semble. 

Gentlemen  :— - The  Convention  of  colored  men,  -which  met  in  the  City  of 
Raleigh,  N.  C,  on  the  2nd  day  of  Oct.  1866,  take  this  method  to  return  their 
grateful  and  heartfelt  thanks  for  the  cordial  acceptation  and  kind  treatment  of 
the  petition  presented  to  your  honorable  hody  at  yotir  last  assembly. 

We  also  feel  it  to  be  our  bound  en  duty  to  return  our  thanks  for  What  you  have 
done  in  removing  the  disabilities  under  which  we  labored,  and  which  were  con- 
trary to  the  genius  of  a  republican  government,  to  liberty  and  humanity.  The 
Convention  continues  to  pray  your  honorable  hody  to  give  us  protection  in  the 
future,  as  we  have  sbown  ourselves  loyal  and  peaceable  citizens  in  the. past. 

We  further  pray  your  honorable  body  to  give  us  the  right  of  suffrage,  in  com- 
mon with  other  citizens  of  the  United  States,  in  consideration  of  our  loyalty, 
citizenship  and  merit. 

Believe  us  Gentlemen,  Tour  Obedient  Servants, 

J.  H.  HARRIS,  President. 

Geo.  A.  Rue, 

Chairman  Business  Committee. 


CONSTITUTION  FOE  AN  AUXILIARY. 

I.  This  Society  shall  be  known  as  the  Educational  Association  of ,  auxiliary 

to  the  Educational  Association  of  North-Carolina. 

II.  The  object  of  this  Association  is  to  aid  in  the  establishme*  of  Schools 
from  which  none  shall  be  excluded  for  color  or  poverty,  and  to  encourage  un» 
sectarian  education. in  this  country,  especially  among  the  freedmen. 

III.  Any  adult  who  favors  the  above  object  may  become  a  member  by  signing 
this  Constitution  and  contributing  one  dollar  or  more  at  the  beginning  of  each 
year. 

IV.  The  officers  shall  be  a  President,  Vice  President,  Secretary  and  Treasurer, 
Whose  duties  shall  be  such  as  their  titles  indicate.  There  shall  also  be  a  Board  of 
Trustees,  of  which  the  Secaetary  and  Treasurer  shall  be  members  ex  officio. 

V.  The  management  of  the  Association  shall  be  committed  to  a  Board  of 
Trustees  of  five  besides  the  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  which  shall  appoint  its  own 
Chairman  and  make  its  own  by-laws. 

VI.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  to  provide  one  or  more 
school  houses,  keep  them  in  good  repair  and  supply  fuel.  It  shall  also  provide  a 
pleasant  home  for  teachers,  and  pay  their  salary  so  far  as  able.  It  may  raise 
funds  by  annual  exhibitions  or  by  contributions,  concerts,  fairs,  &c,  and  in  gen 
eral  shall  have  full  authority  to  conduct  the  affairs  of  the  Association,  subject  to 
the  approval  of  the  State  Association.  But  the  Trustees  shall  not,  without  in- 
structions, involve  the  Association  in  debt,  nor  shall  any  of  them  receive  com- 
pensation from  the  Treasurer. 

VII.  The  Secretary  shall,  once  a  year,  or  as  often  as  desired,  send  a  report  to 
the  Parent  Association  of  the  condition  of  the  fields,  and  the  proceedings  of  the 
Association. 

VIII.  There  shall  be  a  meeting  on  the  — — ~,  at  which  the  Treasurer  and 
Board  of  Trustees  shall  present  written  reports,  and  all  officers  shall  be  elected 
except  that  the  Trustees  shall  be  elected  two  each  year,  to  serve  three  years. 


FOEM  FOE  SUBORDINATE  LEAGUES. 

Section  1.  Whereas,  we,  the  undersigned,  belie.Ting  that  the  interests  of  our 
race  can  be  better  served  by  the  united  action  of  all  concerned  ;  therefore,  be  it 
resolved,  that  we  form  ourselves  into  an  Association  to  be  known  as  the  Colored 

Mens'  Equal  Rights  League,  of -,  and  pledge  ourselves  to  be  governed  by 

the  following  Constitution  and  By-Laws : 

Sec.  2.  The  objects  of  this  League  are  to  encourage  industry,  morality,  educa- 
tion, temperance,  economy,  and  to  promote  all  things  that  will  elevate  us,  and 
build  an  honorable  foundation  for  our  posterity,  and  to  use  all  legitimate  means 
that  are  iu  our'power  to  obtain  our  rights  as  citizens  of  our  beloved  State. 

sec.  3.  The  officers  of  this  League  shall  be  a  President,  a  Vice  President,  Cor- 
responding and  Recording  Secretaries,  a  Treasurer  and  Executive  Committee 
consisting  of  five,  the  President,  Recording  Secretary,  and  three  other  persons, 
to  be  elected  by  the  League  at.  the  time  of  its  regular  election. 

Sec.  4.  The  duty  of  the  President  shall  be  to  preside  at  all  the  regular  meetings 
of  the  League,  and  perform  such  other  duties  as  the  League  may  require  of  him. 
In  the  absence  of  the  President,  the  Vice  President  shall  perform  his  duties. 

Sec.  5.  The  Recording  Secretary  shall  keep  an  exact  record  of  all  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  League ;  and  also  ol  the  Executive  Committee.  He  shall  draw  all 
orders  on  the  Treasurer,  when  directed  by  the  proper  authority,  receive  all 
moneys  of  the  League,  pay  over  the  same  to  the  Treasurer  and  take  his  receipt 
for  the  same. 

Sec.  6.  The  Treasurer  shall  keep  safely  all  moneys  belonging  to  the  League. 
He  shall  pay  out  such  money  only  when  receiving  proper  orders,  such  orders  to 
be  signed  by  the  President  and  Recording  Secretary. 

Sec.  7.  The  Corresponding  Secretary  shall  properly  conduct  all  the  correspon- 
dence of  the  League.  He  shall,  as  iar  as  possible,  obtain  fully  the  actual  condi- 
tion of  our  people  throughout  the  State,  and  report  the  same  when  required  by 
the  League. 

Sec.  8.  The  officers  of  the  League  shall  be  elected  by  ballot,  at  a  regular  meet- 
ing of  the  League,  and  shall  hold  their  office  one  year,  or  until  their  successors 
are  elected.  On  retiring  from  office,  they  shall  give  up  to  their  successors  all 
property  that  may  be  in  their  hands  belonging  to  the  League. 

Sec.  9.  The  regular  meetings  of  the  League  shall  be  held  the  first  Monday  in 
each  month,  at  such  place  as  may  be  designated.  The  President  shall  have  pow- 
er to  call  a  meeting  whenever  he  shall,  in  his  judgment,  think  the  interest  of  the 
League  demands  it. 

Sec.  10.  This  Constitution  may  be  altered  or  amended  at  any  regular  meeting, 
by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present. 

Sec.  11.  Any  person  of  moral  character  may  become  a  member  of  this  League 
by  paying  an  initiation  fee  of  fifty  cents.  The  monthly  dues  of  each  member 
shall  be  twenty -five  cents. 

Sec.  12.  The  Treasurer  shall  give  security  for  the  safe  keeping  of  all  moneys 
and  property  belonging  to  the  League,  that  may  come  into  his  hands  during  his 
term  of  office. 


